NYC Property Manager Struggles with Tenant Compliance on New Compost Rules

New York City's Compost Mandate

• 🎯 New York City has implemented a mandate requiring buildings to separate trash from compost, with fines for non-compliance taking effect Tuesday.
• ⚠️ A property manager, Chris Athenos, responsible for over 100 units, expresses concern over tenant adherence to these new rules.

Challenges in Tenant Compliance

• 🔑 Athenos feels compelled to physically inspect tenants' trash bags to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
• 💡 He notes that despite educational efforts, including signs and provided bins, tenants are still incorrectly disposing of compostable materials in regular trash.
• 🚫 The core issue is that while education and encouragement are provided, property managers cannot legally force tenants to comply with the separation rules.

Compostable Materials and Guidelines

• ♻️ Acceptable compostable items include leaf and yard waste, food scraps, paper napkins, bones, pizza boxes, and other labeled compostable products.
• 🗑️ These items should be placed in the designated brown DSNY bins for pickup on the same day as recycling.

Fines and Property Manager's Dilemma

• 💰 Buildings with one to eight units face a $25 fine for a first offense, while buildings with more than nine units face a starting fine of $100.
• 😥 Athenos describes the situation as a difficult position, questioning how building staff or himself can be expected to sort through tenant waste.
• ✅ The report concludes that everyone needs to do their part for the composting initiative to be successful, with a suggestion for a reminder list on the fridge.